But what caused tears to spill over onto the cheeks and sobs to erupt from constricted throats was the final call over the radio: "Escambia to Car 30." And there was no answer.

The call went out Friday as a U. S. Marine Honor Guard prepared to fold the flag over the coffin of Escambia County Sheriff's Lt. George Hura Jr. at Barrancas National Cemetery.

The final call is a decades-old tradition for law enforcement and emergency workers. A final tribute to someone who had dedicated their life to protecting others and paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

"It's pretty tough to hear that," Escambia County Sheriff Ron McNesby said as he choked back tears. "We deal with death every day. But this is one of our own. We're going to miss him."

Hura, 56, was a traffic unit supervisor with the Sheriff's Office. He was accorded a full honor guard at his burial. Hura, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran, was near retirement.

The chapel at Oak Lawn Funeral Home was standing room only. Mourners spilled over into the vestibule, and dozens of sheriff's deputies stood outside in the hot sun during the service. "It is evident today what a good name George Hura had," said the Rev. Larry White.

Hura's coffin was flanked by the American flag and the U. S. Marine Corps flag. A box filled with military medals rested on top of the coffin.

In the vestibule, a picture display showed Hura with his fellow deputies. He spurned the chance to sit at a desk when he became a supervisor and loved riding a Harley-Davidson with the officers he supervised. As one fellow officer put it, "He led from the saddle."

There also were pictures of Hura with his wife, Mona, some taken in Hawaii, one of Hura's favorite places. There were snapshots that included his children, a picture of his beloved English bulldog, Chesty, and a black-and-white portrait of Hura as a young Marine.

The funeral procession from Oak Lawn to Pensacola Naval Air Station stretched for miles. Sheriff's deputies stood at attention at every major intersection along the route on Navy Boulevard. Traffic was at a standstill. Even pedestrians stood still, hands clasped in front of them as the procession passed.

Warrington Volunteer Firefighters pulled their trucks to the street, with lights flashing and a U. S. flag flying atop the tallest ladder. The firefighters stood at attention for the entire procession. So did the military police at the NAS front gate.

Even golfers stopped their play to pay their respects as the procession passed by on the way to Barrancas National Cemetery.

"George lived his life with dedication. He was a Marine. He was a law enforcement officer. He gave it all." McNesby said. "He'll be greatly missed."

Death and Burial

George Hura, Jr. died on 4 May 2004 in Pensacola, FL. He is buried at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Escambia County, FL.